The 6-foot-9 De Ocampo, who was sent to Ginebra in exchange for two forwards, is expected to fill in the center spot left by veteran Eric Menk who has been constantly hobbled by injuries in the semifinals of the previous Philippine Cup, where the Kings were swept in the best-of-seven Final Four series by the Alaska Aces.
Now on his eighth season, De Ocampo should provide stability in the center position for Ginebra as he shares playing minutes with Menk and Enrico Villanueva.
De Ocampo averaged 6.5 points and 4.2 rebounds for Talk ‘N Text in the Philippine Cup.
It remains to be seen, however, if the trade will really help both the Kings and the Express in their respective campaigns in the Fiesta Cup, which is set to open March 21. Ginebra will have NBA veteran Awvee Storey as their reinforcement, while Leroy Hickerson will play for Air21.
Ginebra acquired De Ocampo in a trade with Air21 the other day in exchange for two power forwards in Doug Kramer and Rich Alvarez.
“We’re trying to strengthen our team since he’s the best available player. Hopefully he can help us,” Ginebra coach Jong Uichico said. “But not a single person can answer our team’s problem. It’s a team effort.”
Air21 representative and current PBA chairman Lito Alvarez, on the other hand, said he is excited with team’s ongoing talks with San Miguel Beer.
The Express are hoping to land versatile point guard Mike Cortez in exchange for Alex Cabagnot.
Barring any late changes, the two sides are expected to ink the deal this Wednesday.
Sidelined last season because of knee injuries, Cortez played a major role in SMB’s guard rotation last conference, averaging 11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steal.
Last week, they obtained De Ocampo and three-point specialist Renren Ritualo, who both started their pro careers with them, from TNT for Mark Yee, JR Quinahan, and Aaron Aban.
Air21, however, did not pass up on the opportunity to take back former player Kramer and get the services of Alvarez, two seldom-used forwards in the Ginebra rotation as team manager Lito Alvarez felt both will be major contributors.
“We’re thrilled to have them as they’ll be reunited with former Ateneo teammate Wesley Gonzales,” Alvarez said.
Through 15 games, Alvarez averaged only 2.1 points and 3.4 rebounds with Ginebra last conference.
Winner of the Rookie of the Year award in 2005, this will be Alvarez’s sixth team after stints with the Shell, Alaska, Red Bull, and Purefoods, while Kramer, who played only three games, will return to the team that tabbed him No. 5 in 2007 PBA Rookie Draft.
Source: Waylon Galvez | Manila Bulletin
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